DC Comics reviews 3/5/24 – Batman #145, Shazam #9

Superman ’78 The Metal Curtain #5

The Metal Curtain might read too simple to readers who need incredibly layered stories that only pay off after 30 issues. For others, this nostalgia rich Superman story set in a specific time period hits all the right notes.

Writer Robert Venditti clearly gets the tone, spirit and playful tone of the Richard Donner films and is able to effortlessly channel it. Superman prepares for a rematch with Metallo, but before then, he needs to consult with Lex Luthor. Venditti has the Gene Hackman Lex Luthor’s voice down perfectly. It’s so fun reading a Lex Luthor who calls himself a criminal instead of a shady, misunderstood business mogul. That in your face villainy is refreshing and Venditti pulls it off.

Likewise, he nails the tone of Christopher Reeve’s Superman. He’s undoubtedly a hero with a kind and gentle spirit. It’s pretty incredible reading this and Superman ’78 and easily envisioning how these stories would have played on the big screen. Venditti is also adding some depth to Metallo as the Russian operative using the armor isn’t interested in propaganda wins — he wants a decisive victory over the Man of Steel.

Artist Gavin Guidry has settled into a nice flow with the art capturing the actor likenesses’ impressively. It doesn’t have to be super lifelike. Guidry has the essence of the actors down, which in this story is more important. Jordie Bellaire’s colors wonderfully complement the sunnier, more hopeful feel of the series with bright yellows, blues, browns, oranges, etc.

This was another stellar issues of one of the more consistently fun comics in the market. Every installment feels like getting bonus films from the Donner era. There’s one more issue left so hopefully DC has the creative team already at work on the next chapter.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics